Courses and Syllabi
The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.
Art History Fall 2026
Undergraduate
ARTH 101: Introduction to the Visual Arts (3 Credits)
Introduction to the content and principles of the visual arts. Approach varies with instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
3 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 101 - DL1: Introduction to Visual Arts — Julia Wheeler - Online
- ARTH 101 - DL2: Introduction to Visual Arts — Julia Wheeler - Online
- ARTH 101 - DL3: Introduction to Visual Arts — Laura McCloskey Wolfe - Online
ARTH 102: Symbols and Stories in Art (3 Credits)
Introduces themes and imagery in art. Approaches and traditions to explore vary with the instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 102 - 001: Symbols/Stories in Art — Deepthi Murali — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Blue Ridge Hall 129
- ARTH 102 - DL1: Symbols/Stories in Art — Chris A. Gregg - Online
ARTH 200: History of Western Art before 1400 (3 Credits)
Major periods, monuments, and themes of Western art and architecture. Introduces Washington, D.C., museum collections and a historical framework for further study in art history. Covers prehistory, the ancient world, and the Middle Ages. Notes: Designed as a two-course sequence, but each part may be taken independently without prerequisite. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 200 - DL1: Hist Western Art before 1400 — Jacquelyn Williamson - Online
ARTH 201: History of Western Art 1400 to Present (3 Credits)
Major periods, monuments, and themes of Western art and architecture. Introduces Washington, D.C., museum collections and a historical framework for further study in art history. Covers the art of the Renaissance, the baroque period, and modern Europe and the Americas. Notes: Designed as a two-course sequence, but each part may be taken independently without prerequisite. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 201 - DL1: History West Art 1400-Present — Heather M McGuire - Online
ARTH 206: Survey of African Art (3 Credits)
Introduces arts of Africa, from antiquity to the present day. Presents a variety of arts In relatlon to their historical and cultural contexts, and makes use of local museum resources. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 206 - DL1: Survey of African Art — LaNitra M Berger - Online
ARTH 303: National Traditions (1-3 Credits)
Studies traditions of art and architecture within a single selected country or historical region. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 303 - DL2: Medieval Irish Art & Culture — Laura McCloskey Wolfe - Online
ARTH 321: Greek Art and Archaeology (3 Credits)
History of ancient Greek architecture, sculpture, and painting. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 321 - 001: Greek Art — Jacquelyn Williamson — 03:00 PM to 04:15 PM TR - Innovation Hall 208
ARTH 322: Roman Art and Archaeology (3 Credits)
History of Roman architecture, sculpture, and painting. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 322 - DL1: Roman Art — Chris A. Gregg - Online
ARTH 333: Early Christian and Byzantine Art (3 Credits)
Aspects of medieval art and culture in eastern Mediterranean world. Topics may include late antiquity, early Christianity, and the Byzantine empire and its neighbors. Designed to take advantage of unique local museum resources. Notes: Specific focus varies with instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 333 - 001: Erly Christn and Byznt Art — Heidi Catherine Gearhart — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM TR - Innovation Hall 208
ARTH 344: Baroque Art in Italy, France, and Spain, 1600-1750 (3 Credits)
Studies in architecture, sculpture, and painting in the age of Caravaggio, Bernini, Velazquez, and Poussin. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 344 - 001: Baroque Art:1600-1750 — Angela Ho — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM MW - Innovation Hall 208
ARTH 350: History of Photography (3 Credits)
Development of photography from origins in France in the 19th century to the present. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 350 - 001: History of Photography — Vanessa Meikle Schulman — 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM MW - Horizon Hall 2010
ARTH 374: Art Now (3 Credits)
Explores visual art production since the late twentieth century. Examines social, institutional, and political issues in recent art. Specific topics and assignments vary with the instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 374 - 001: Art Now — Heather M McGuire — 12:00 PM to 01:15 PM TR - Art & Design Building 2003 - Hybrid
- ARTH 374 - 002: Art Now — Heather M McGuire — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Exploratory Hall (formerly Science and Tech II) - Hybrid
ARTH 375: Indigenous Arts of the US and Canada (3 Credits)
Explores the arts of Indigenous peoples in the areas that are today the United States and Canada, from the pre-contact era to the present. Arts are discussed in relation to their cultural, regional, and historical contexts. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 375 - DL1: Indigenous Arts US & Canada — Vanessa Meikle Schulman - Online
ARTH 384: Arts of China (3 Credits)
Explores the complex and dynamic history of China by examining ways in which social, religious, and political shifts have given rise to new and variant forms of material culture. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Specialized Designation: Non-Western Culture
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 384 - 001: Arts of China — Robert DeCaroli — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW - Innovation Hall 208
ARTH 393: Art History Internships (3-6 Credits)
Internship with a professional arts institution, organization, or individual in the Washington, D.C., area. Project to be arranged by student in consultation with faculty instructor and field supervisor. Notes: Strongly recommended for advanced art history students seeking exposure to professional work in visual arts. May be taken for 3 to 6 credits, or repeated for up to 6 credits. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: Art History major or minor and permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 393 - 001: Art History Internships — Jacquelyn Williamson
ARTH 400: Historiography and Methods of Research in Art History (Topic Varies) (3 Credits)
Historical investigation of theories, methods, and critiques involved in the discipline of art history. Approach or focus may vary with instructor. Offered by History & Art History. Limited to three attempts.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in art history at the 300 level or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 400 - 001: Methods and Research in ARTH — Robert DeCaroli — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Research Hall 202
ARTH 440: RS: Advanced Studies in Renaissance and Baroque Art (3 Credits)
Studies a particular aspect of Renaissance or baroque art. Topics may be monographic, thematic, or concentrated on the art of a smaller time period or a particular area. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive, Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in Art History at the 300 level, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 440 - 001: RS: Social Lives of Art — Angela Ho — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Research Hall 201
ARTH 472: RS: Advanced Studies in 20th-Century Latin American Art (3 Credits)
Study of a particular topic in 20th-century Latin American art. Course may focus on a specific period, region, movement, medium, or theoretical issue, or explore cultural connections and transfer between regions. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and a 3XX level course in 19th or 20th century art of Europe or the Americas, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 472 - 001: RS: Mexican Muralism — Michele Greet — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Research Hall 201
ARTH 495: RS: Curating an Exhibit (3 Credits)
Conduct hands-on research with objects or other primary sources. Select particular artifacts or works of art and undertake original research, bringing objects from storage to publication to exhibition. Develop skills in material and visual analysis, critical reading, and academic writing. Focus is on VA/DC/MD libraries, archives, and storerooms. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Recommended Prerequisite: 6 credits of 300-level courses in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and ENGH 302.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 495 - 001: RS: Curating an Exhibit — Heidi Catherine Gearhart — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Research Hall 201
ARTH 303: National Traditions (1-3 Credits)
Studies traditions of art and architecture within a single selected country or historical region. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Arts
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 303 - DL2: Medieval Irish Art & Culture — Laura McCloskey Wolfe - Online
ARTH 440: RS: Advanced Studies in Renaissance and Baroque Art (3 Credits)
Studies a particular aspect of Renaissance or baroque art. Topics may be monographic, thematic, or concentrated on the art of a smaller time period or a particular area. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive, Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and 6 credits in Art History at the 300 level, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 440 - 001: RS: Social Lives of Art — Angela Ho — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Research Hall 201
ARTH 472: RS: Advanced Studies in 20th-Century Latin American Art (3 Credits)
Study of a particular topic in 20th-century Latin American art. Course may focus on a specific period, region, movement, medium, or theoretical issue, or explore cultural connections and transfer between regions. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Mason Core: Mason Core, Writing Intensive in Major
Specialized Designation: Research/Scholarship Intensive
Recommended Prerequisite: ENGH 302 and a 3XX level course in 19th or 20th century art of Europe or the Americas, or permission of instructor.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 472 - 001: RS: Mexican Muralism — Michele Greet — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Research Hall 201
Graduate
ARTH 593: Internship in Art History (3-6 Credits)
Internship with a professional arts institution, organization, or individual in the Washington, D.C., area. Project to be arranged by student in consultation with faculty instructor and field supervisor. Notes: Recommended for advanced art history students seeking exposure to professional work in visual arts. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Recommended Prerequisite: BA or equivalent or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Internship
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 593 - 001: Intern Art History — Jacquelyn Williamson
ARTH 595: Curating an Exhibit (3 Credits)
Conduct hands-on research with objects or other primary sources. Select particular artifacts or works of art and undertake original research, bringing objects from storage to publication to exhibition. Produce sophisticated material and visual analysis, present original arguments based on independent research, apply and integrate contemporary theories of display and viewership, and produce refined, sophisticated academic writing. Focus is on VA/DC/MD libraries, archives, and storerooms. May be repeated when the topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 6 credits.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 595 - 001: Curating an Exhibit — Heidi Catherine Gearhart — 01:30 PM to 02:45 PM TR - Research Hall 201
ARTH 599: Special Topics in Art History (1-6 Credits)
Topics vary. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 599 - 002: Social Lives of Art — Angela Ho — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Research Hall 201
- ARTH 599 - 001: Mexican Muralism — Michele Greet — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Research Hall 201
ARTH 600: Methods and Research in Art History (3 Credits)
Investigates theories, methods, and research strategies in discipline of art history. Designed for first-semester students in art history MA program; foundation for further graduate-level work in the program. Offered by History & Art History. May not be repeated for credit.
Recommended Prerequisite: Admission to the Art History MA program.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
1 Section Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 600 - 001: Methods and Research in ARTH — Robert DeCaroli — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM M - Research Hall 202
ARTH 599: Special Topics in Art History (1-6 Credits)
Topics vary. Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic is different. Offered by History & Art History. May be repeated within the term.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree or permission of instructor.
Registration Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a class of Advanced to Candidacy, Graduate, Junior Plus, Non-Degree or Senior Plus.
Enrollment is limited to Graduate, Non-Degree or Undergraduate level students.
Students in a Non-Degree Undergraduate degree may not enroll.
Schedule Type: Seminar
Grading:
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
This course is graded on the Graduate Regular scale.
2 Sections Currently Scheduled
- ARTH 599 - 002: Social Lives of Art — Angela Ho — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM W - Research Hall 201
- ARTH 599 - 001: Mexican Muralism — Michele Greet — 04:30 PM to 07:10 PM T - Research Hall 201